PERFORMANCE

pretense like an armor

as compliments fall off

adding to the slurry of unclaimed moments

intimate challenges

tasted on tongues

in saliva

as the air cracks with meaning

dreams are hollowed out

for seeds to be sown

connections erased

for new fertile heartlands

earthed

special moments take on new connotations

and sex like a hardened fist slams home

harmony is bitter in the sweetness of the summer air

delicious juxtaposition

the walls sweat expectation

something like fear sung like you mean it

wasted like you felt it

© Katharine Annear